Laura Sharman 17 July 2017

Hackers use mayor's profile to make racist posts

The mayor of Leeds has been forced to speak out after suffering a barrage of online abuse when hackers posted racist comments in her name.

Cllr Jane Dowson said she has received direct threats to her Twitter account after her Facebook page was illegally used to post anti-Polish comments.

I have NOT posted anti polish sentiment. 100% fake. Police investigating. Proud 2 b Mayor 4 all communities in Leeds incl my Polish Friends
— Cllr Jane Dowson (@CllrJaneDowson) July 14, 2017

‘This is a disgusting attempt to stir up hatred between our incredible communities in Leeds and I would not usually give such appalling trolls the time of day,’ said Cllr Dowson. ‘Dealing with online abuse has sadly become part of everyday life when you’re in the public eye.

‘Anyone who knows me knows how much I abhor discrimination or abuse of any form of any community. This is a pathetic attempt from the other side of the world to cut and paste my image on a tirade of vile abuse.’

Cllr Dowson said the police are investigating the incident.

#Social media #Police

Analysis

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.

Opinion

Parks: Councils' secret weapon, not an easy cut

Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd tells LocalGov why councils weighing cuts to green spaces are missing the bigger picture.

Most Popular News

PM hands mayors share of income tax

Rogue trader jailed for stealing £187k from 22 victims

Burnham unveils plans to reform social care workforce

Reform UK councillor charged over offensive social media post

Norfolk deputy leader urges Rayner to halt £96m reorganisation

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Business Manager – Knowsley Safeguarding Children Partnership (KSCP)

£54,703 - £60,044

Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024. Knowsley (Metropolitan borough), Merseyside

Recuriter: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council